Office of Undergraduate Research
Legare 126
Phone: 803-777-1141
Email: our@sc.edu

Magellan Ambassadors represent the Office of Undergraduate Research and provide outreach and guidance to USC students interested in getting involved in research opportunities.

MEET THE AMBASSADORS

Gabrielle Peterson	Natalie Brenders	Nick Burnett	Katie Granger	Mira Radieva	Jonathon Motts

My name is Gabrielle Peterson and I graduated with a BA in Theatre at the University of South Carolina with an emphasis on performance, directing, and advanced synthesis of physical training methodologies.  I am now beginning a second degree in International Studies and will graduate in May 2011.

Recently, I received the Magellan Grant to write and direct a play, “Mirrored Time,” which was sponsored by the South Carolina Shakespeare Company, and based on research conducted at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. The project recently received first place for the Arts, Humanities, and Culture Research Award at USC and was one of two research projects submitted by the University for the Forum Research Award and national publication.

I became interested in Scotland when I debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and continued to perform internationally as a member of the Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Company in 2009.     I also enjoy performing around Columbia, with some of my favorite roles including Fantine (“Les Miserables”), Tzeitel (“Fiddler on the Roof”), and Helena/Quince in Mendelssohn’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” in conjunction with the South Carolina Shakespeare Company, Morihiko Nakahara, and SC Philharmonic. I have also choreographed several productions in the area and can often be found teaching theatre at different training programs in the state.

At USC, I maintain a 4.0 GPA and am a Capstone Scholar and member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society, and the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. And, I look forward to beginning my newest projects this year!

Hello! My name is Natalie Brenders and I am from Michigan, but actually a Canadian citizen. I came to the beautiful University of South Carolina for an adventure out-of-state, and I have found one! My major is exercise science and I am pre-med. I have recently had the opportunity to complete research with a pediatric surgeon at Palmetto Children’s Hospital, and it was a very rewarding, one-of-a-kind experience. I was absolutely thrilled with the aspects of research that allowed me to pursue my passion in medicine. My research began my freshmen year when I received a MiniGrant and worked closely with Dr. Camps on a project that will affect many young lives. This was my first encounter with research and it was a great one.  I felt an incredible amount of responsibility in my project. It helped to shape me as a person and allowed me to learn more about my future career. I gained confidence in my ability to do research and learned how to properly conduct myself in professional situations, both while observing surgeries and in the clinical environment. I am working on a new project this year with a trauma surgeon and have been funded by the Magellan Apprentice. I am so impressed by the undergraduate research program here at USC and how easy the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) makes it for students to pursue their dreams! The opportunities presented by the OUR staff are as incredible as the people who work there. I am happy to be a Magellan Ambassador, spreading the word about how exhilarating your college experience should really be and how much research can excite you and others! Feel free to contact me with questions.

My name is Nick Burnett and I am a third-year biology major also pursuing a minor in chemistry.  In my time at USC, I have received a Residential Mini-Grant and a Magellan Voyager Travel Award from the Office of Undergraduate Research, and have been involved in the Howard Hughes Undergraduate Research Program through the Biology Department.  My research interests focus on the impact of climate change on the physiology of intertidal organisms, particularly those in rocky shore habitats. My research projects have investigated the effects of temperature on the respiration of intertidal bivalve mollusks and explored the development and practical application of biomimetic data loggers to measure the water loss and body temperature of intertidal bivalve mollusks and gastropods. Outside of the laboratory I am a member of the USC Marching Band, a brother and officer in the USC chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi - National Honorary Band Fraternity, and the editor-in-chief of “MarSci: the online journal for undergraduate research in the marine and aquatic sciences."

My name is Katie Granger and I am a senior sociology major. My mentor, Dr. Shelley Smith, approached me at the end of my sophomore year to be her research assistant on a grant she had received. In assisting with her research, I came up with several of my own research questions and Dr. Smith encouraged me to apply for the Magellan Scholar. We were awarded for the 2010 Summer/Fall semesters. By analyzing 2001 Census data, we are currently studying the relationship between a biracial person’s self-identification with a principle race and their socioeconomic status. Not only have I met so many incredible people through the amazing opportunities I’ve been given as a result of participating in research, but having research experience on a graduate school application is invaluable. After graduation, I plan on attending graduate school at USC for marriage, family, and couples counseling. My best piece of advice for students is to get involved as soon as possible! So many doors will open for you that you don’t even know are available yet!

My name is Mira Radieva and I am a sophomore psychology major with a minor in Russian. Put simply, my research analyzes if the gender makeup of the Appellate Court of Alberta influences the decision making process of the judges. This research encompasses two of my interests: psychology and law. My project allows me to do independent research that demonstrates how the psychology I learned about in the classroom is displayed in the real world. Along the way, I learned about the legal system of Canada and realized that I want to be part of the American system. When I entered college, I thought I had it figured out. I would major in psychology and eventually get a PhD in some field that interested me. But, through my research, I found another career that interested me more. I'm glad I had the opportunity to explore my interests and discover what I really want to do. I hope that other students will explore their interests before they commit to a career they are not sure about.

My name is Jonathan Motts and I’m a fourth-year biology and chemistry major with a minor in Spanish. As a Magellan Scholar, I am searching for biomarkers of mercury induced immune deregulation. I also participated in an export program whose aim was to curb the disparity of minorities in the science field. My project allows me to actually practice many of the experiments I’ve read and learned about, and keeps me in the know within the field of immunology. After graduation, I hope to attend medical school. My best advice for students interested in getting involved in research is to find something you truly enjoy and are interested in, and read, read, read!